It has been one month since the Youngcare Share House at Wooloowin officially became home to four young Aussies with high care needs – an exciting new chapter for the housemates, their loved ones and another incredible milestone in the history of Youngcare supporting young Australians with high care needs to live a life of choice, independence and dignity. Youngcare spoke to Edwina Garzarella, Coordinator – Supported Accommodation at the share house to hear about the first four weeks.
“The Youngcare Share House is very active, full of people, always buzzing. It’s a very spontaneous place where the housemates express their desires about what they want to do or the things that they are interested in. We then support them in achieving these experiences.
Loud music, laughing, BBQs , communication, movies and just hanging out together is typical of young people who live together – and is the order of the day at Wooloowin. The house mates have expanded their social circle very quickly, finding a lot in common with each other and their combined social groups. Quiet family BBQ catch ups are morphing into full house BBQs that are a lot of fun for everyone.
Housemates Brian and Nick at the Preview Day of their new home
Wesley Mission Brisbane and Youngcare’s person centred model of care is the ethos of the house and is clearly making a difference. Empowering people with choice and encouraging increased independence underpins person centred care ultimately identifying who the housemates are as individuals. It’s very exciting watching them as they begin to venture into the possibilities of choice and control and knowing they will be supported.
For me, the most enjoyable part of my role is being able to facilitate our carers to provide service in what they have always wanted to do. We have been given the opportunity and the outlet to provide exceptional, person centred care to really make a difference. My team regularly tell me that this is the highlight of their career, being able to give individualised and quality care to young people living in the community. The reality is we are all contributing to each other’s lives.
It’s a very meaningful partnership between Wesley Mission Brisbane’s person centred care and Youngcare’s vision that means we are not on a timetable here, we are not on a tightrope and seeing that flow on effect is amazing.
At the Wooloowin Share House I am seeing what was impossible before is now becoming a reality when you are given opportunity, support and choice.”
Housemate Nick receiving his brand new, state-of-the-art communication device.
